Almoravid Fragment

Background

Berber dynasty 1056–1147 founded by the prophet Abdullah ibn Tashfin, ruling much of Morocco and Spain in the 11th–12th centuries. The Almoravids came from the Sahara and in the 11th century began laying the foundations of an empire covering the whole of Morocco and parts of Algeria; their capital was the newly founded Marrakesh. In 1086 they defeated Alfonso VI of Castile to gain much of Spain. They were later overthrown by the Almohads.

This fragment lines the “Reliquary of Saint Isidore” which is housed in the Real Colegiata de San Isidoro, León in Spain.

Stitches and Techniques

• surface Couching
• stem stitch
• split stitch

Design

Links

• Art of Islamic Spain - section of article detailing Almoravid textile history.

Sources for Further Information

• O’Neill, John, ed. The Art of Medieval Spain, A.D. 500-1200. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993.